Set of modular blocks for the construction of internal and external walls of buildings

ABSTRACT

A set of modular blocks for the construction of buildings in general, specially designed to meet different situations arising during work execution. It comprises a standard block and various supplementary blocks which show, on their external side faces, straight longitudinal grooves arranged centrally, extending from one end to the other, and matching with a pass-through duct defined in an equidistant central section; supplementary blocks meet the same constructive criteria and are characterized by the combination of side extensions—equivalent to the thickness of each block—with middle section cuts to define split blocks, with flat supporting bases (which eliminate two of the legs), and with the side extension of the shorter section, the set being completed by the inclusion of supplementary blocks to serve as closing covers and anchorage caps.

[0001] This patent is mainly aimed to protect the invention of a SET OFMODULAR BLOCKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WALLS OFBUILDINGS, which show particular shape and design features speciallyconceived to efficiently solve the problems usually encountered duringthe building of walls.

[0002] Move specifically, this patent protects a set or kit of blocksfor the swift and straightforward construction of partitions and wallsas a whole. Basic modules are combined with other special blocks which,based on the same constructive criteria, show very particular individualfeatures to enable corner junctions, “T” junctions, crosses, intels,sills, and/or lower and higher top rows, so that all the situationsarising in the overall construction of buildings may be adequately met.

[0003] Therefore the subject-matter of this patent is a set of modularblocks which, at the same time as they meet the same constructive andfunctional conception, also show applied differences to provide formutual fitting and stable locking as necessary throughout the building

[0004] Prior Design

[0005] The basic block which makes up the modular set referred to underthis patent registration shows a general H-shaped configuration with twomain flat faces, a front and a rear one, oblique internal and externalside faces, and flat top and bottom faces, including matched joints onits side faces. These joints are characterized by straight protrudingribs end straight grooves, centrally arranged and extending from one endto the other of each face

[0006] The block is characterized by the fact that external side facesshow straight longitudinal grooves, centrally arranged and extendingfrom one end to the other, whereas upper internal side faces includelongitudinal ribs centrally arranged and extending from one end to theother, and lower internal side faces contain straight longitudinalgrooves, also extending from one end to the other.

[0007] It should be stressed that the above-mentioned ribs and groovesare supplementarily configured so that they fit in with each other andthus engage firmly to withstand transversal stresses

[0008] This kind of block has performed satisfactorily in comparisonwith other H-shaped blocks due to the aforementioned side grooves which,faced against each other, form ducts to contain the mixtures that willallow the sealing of junctions These will in turn serve as expansionjoints

[0009] However, this basic block as defined above cannot be used atjunctions, top rows and opening edges. This forces the builder to engagein additional brickwork and finishing jobs which not only increase thetotal cost of each work but also cause its delay as they requireadjustments and modifications tailored to each case which not everyonein the craft can perform efficiently

[0010] The main advantage of concrete-based blocks over conventionalclay bricks is the fact that they allow a fast work execution, combinedwith an easy assembly and economical binding mixtures

[0011] Novelty—Main Subject-Matter

[0012] This patent covers a set of blocks specially designed to act ascomponents supplementary to the H-shaped blocks defined above. Theybelong to the same modular set because they follow the same constructiveprinciple, but each kind of block shows its own features as necessary tomeet the specific requirements which may arise during the execution ofthe work.

[0013] Therefore, based on the set invented, the only thing that remainsfor the architect or builder to do once the building to be erected hasbeen defined is to prepare the pertinent drawings so that the exact kitor set of blocks for work execution can be defined in full detail.

[0014] Then, there will be a specific quantity of standard or basicblocks combined with other quantities or blocks specified for corners,openings, etc.

[0015] Consequently, the main subject-matter of this patent can bedefined as A SET OF MODULAR BLOCKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNAL ANDEXTERNAL WALLS OF BUILDINGS, H shaped, showing two main flat faces (afront and a rear one), oblique internal and external side faces, andflat top and bottom faces, and including—for oblique internal sidefaces—a matched assembly between straight protruding ribs and straightgrooves centrally arranged and extending from one end to the other ofeach face. The set comprises a standard block and a number ofsupplementary blocks with their external side faces showing straightlongitudinal grooves centrally arranged and extending from one end tothe other which match with a pass-through duct located right in themiddle. In line with the constructive criteria described above,supplementary blocks are characterized by the combination of sideextensions reaching as far as the thickness of each block with middlesection cuts aimed to define split blocks, with flat supporting bases(which eliminate two-legged ones), and with the side extension of thelower section. The set is completed by supplementary blocks for closingcovers and anchorage caps.

[0016] The invention can include supplementary blocks provided with anadditional lower leg as thick as the body of the block and extendingfrom the bottom face to the inner surface of the same block

[0017] Some supplementary blocks define longitudinal planes acrossmiddle sections.

[0018] Other supplementary blocks define transversal planes acrossmiddle sections.

[0019] At least one of the side races of the supplementary blocks iscompletely flat.

[0020] Closing covers match with the cavity formed by two oblique faces.

[0021] Anchorage caps are equivalent to one third of the standard blockand constitute a side section made up of two oblique faces convergingtowards a central section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to further clarify the advantages roughly describedabove (which can be greatly increased by users and people in the trade)and to better explain the constructive, constitutive, and functionalproperties of the set of blocks created, below is an ideal example ofperformance accompanied by pictures on a schematic basis and without aspecified scale. It is worth mentioning that, as it is only an example,it cannot be deemed to restrict or exclude the scope of featuresprotected by this patent, but is only intended as an explanation orillustration of the underlying concept

[0023] The first five pictures show each type of block with its specificfeatures to meet the basic requirements of the whole modular set asprovided for herein.

[0024]FIG. 1 shows a view of a block which will be referred to asstandard block from now on, since it constitutes the basic component ofthe set invented.

[0025]FIG. 2 shows a view of the initial standard block, which is neededin particular at the bottom row of each wall to be built.

[0026]FIG. 3 shows a view of another block which can also be calledinitial standard block because it is required for the bottom row of thewall.

[0027]FIG. 4 shows a view of another block shorter than the standardblock and including a constructive modification to enable its use atcorner junctions.

[0028]FIG. 5 shows a view of another block which will be referred to asstandard finish from now on because it is specially designed for the toprow of walls.

[0029]FIG. 6 shows a view of another block which will be referred to asdouble junction leg from now on because it is designed for walljunctions.

[0030]FIG. 7 shows a view of another block which will be referred to asinitial double junction leg from now on because it is used for bottom orinitial row junctions.

[0031]FIG. 8 shows a view of another block which will be referred to asfinishing double junction leg because it is required to complete topwall row junctions.

[0032]FIG. 9 shows a view of another block specially designed to lockdifferent junctions, which will be referred to as 3/4 lock from now on.

[0033]FIG. 10 shows a view of another block specially designed for otherjunction locking options, which will be referred to as 1/2 lock from nowon.

[0034]FIG. 11 shows a view of another block intended to be used for doorand window openings.

[0035]FIG. 12 shows a view of a block which forms part of the setinvented and is specially designed to serve as a supplementary closingcover.

[0036]FIG. 13 shows a view of a block specially created to be used atdoor and window openings.

[0037]FIG. 14 shows a view of another block which can be used forjunctions at different heights.

[0038]FIG. 15 shows a top view of an application of the set of blocksinvented, in this case showing a constructive option for a fourfoldjunction between walls, at a height corresponding to the initial row

[0039]FIG. 16 shows a side view of the initial row identified as V-V inthe previous figure

[0040]FIG. 17 shows a side view of another row that lies on the rowillustrated in the previous figure.

[0041]FIG. 18 shows a top view of the way how the set of blocks inventedsolves a fourfold well junction, at a middle height

[0042]FIG. 19 shows a front view of a lintel and opening using jambusing the set of blocks invented.

[0043]FIG. 20 also shows a front view of a sill using the set of blocksinvented

[0044]FIG. 21 shows a view of the corner junction between walls, builtusing the set of blocks invented.

[0045] The reference numbers and letters appearing in all the figuresrefer to the components of the set identified as such within the examplechosen to explain this invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN IDEAL EXAMPLE

[0046] As can be observed particularly in FIG. 1, the modular blockswhich make up the set invented start from a basic block -A- which willbe referred to as standard block from now on and which belongs to thegroup of blocks with a general configuration, that is, with the shape ofan H, a couple of external side faces -1- and -2-, and smaller internalside faces -3-, 4-, -5- and -6-, characterized by their obliquity toallow mutual fitting.

[0047] This general configuration is completed by main flat side faces,-7- and -8-, and by top and bottom faces, -9, -10- -11-, -12-, -13- and-14-.

[0048]FIG. 1 also shows how these “standard” -A- blocks include femalegrooves -15- and -16-, defined on faces -3- y -4-, matching with maleribs -17- and -18-, defined on faces -5- and -6-, thus establishing thematched assembly between equal blocks which link with each other to makeup the wall.

[0049] Besides, these blocks also show vertical grooves -19- and -20-,defined on side faces -7- and -8-.

[0050] Walls in general require basic design blocks as described above,where male ribs -17- and -18- on side faces -5- and -6- belonging to anupper block match with the female grooves -15- of two lower adjacentblocks underneath it. Meanwhile, grooves -19- and -20- lying oppositeeach other and belonging to adjacent blocks gradually form verticalducts which are filled with a concrete mixture that will serve both as aseal and as an expansion joint.

[0051] This kind of junction, which can be called bi-directional, isvery efficient because it allows wall construction to be very fast andat the same time economical due to the use of binding mixture. However,it has not been possible to put it into practice on an industrial andcommercial scale because it poses serious difficulties in junction andfinish sections and in door and window openings. The builder is expectedto make up solutions of his own to define said junctions, but he is notalways able to do so. This also consumes time and demands extraordinaryexpenses.

[0052] The main novelty covered by this patent lies in the creation of avariety of supplementary blocks which, following the same assemblycriteria defined above, solve all the situations usually arising duringthe erection of any kind of building.

[0053] Another novelty is that both the block mentioned above -A- andthe remaining supplementary blocks include a pass-through hole -21-which, combined with said vertical grooves -19- and 20-, allows incertain sections the formation of continuous vertical ducts extendingfrom the top to the bottom row They can be used to lay utility piping aswell as tightening components anchored to top and bottom linking beams,thus obtaining earthquake-proof monolithic buildings.

[0054] FIGS. 2 to 14 show the different modifications introduced insupplementary blocks and not included in the basic design describedabove.

[0055]FIG. 2 shows the initial standard block -B- required for theinitial or bottom row. It differs from the standard block in that itshows a completely closed lower part defining a single supporting facefor the bottom linking beam. Obviously, this block can also be requiredfor the top row, in which case it is installed in an inverted positionin relation to the one appearing in the picture, and it can also be usedfor openings, sills or lintels

[0056] The block appearing in FIG. 3 shows a modification consisting ofa central supporting leg -22- which starts from the bottom face -13-,keeps as thick as the block, and extends until it is flush with the restof the block. This is an additional support which allows the junctionbetween perpendicular walls.

[0057] The block appearing in FIG. 4 is just half of the block in FIG.3. This block is particularly useful for corner junctions. FIG. 5 showssupplementary block -C-, known as standard finish as it is speciallydesigned to be used for the top row. It differs from block -B- in thatit is shorter and thus provides another solution to define the totalheight of the wall.

[0058]FIG. 6 shows supplementary block -D-, known as double leg as it ischaracterized by a side extension in comparison with the standard blockwhich is equivalent to block thickness. It serves as a junction betweenwalls and its side face -8-, without grooving, is the visible face.

[0059] Block -E- shows the same constructive modification appearing inFIG. 7 and has been specially designed for bottom rows and openingcorners. This block combines the modifications introduced in blocks -B-and -D as described above.

[0060]FIG. 8 shows block -F, which can be called double finishing leg asit has been specially designed for top-row wall junctions. It can alsobe useful to provide similar junctions at openings Its height is shorterthan that of the above-mentioned block -A- but its side is longer,equivalent to block thickness.

[0061] The supplementary block illustrated by FIG. 9, identified as -G-,has been specially designed to provide junction solutions. It can becalled ¾ lock because of the role it plays. It can be described as halfa block -A-, laterally extended as far as the measure of thickness.

[0062] The supplementary block illustrated by FIG. 10, identified as-H-, has also been designed to provide junction solutions, every tworows, and can be called ½ lock because it is half a standard block -A-without a duct 21.

[0063] The supplementary block shown by FIG. 11 has been speciallydesigned to be used at lintels and sills. It is as high as half a block-A- and its face -23- is completely closed. It can be used for top rows,lintels and sills, in which case it may or may not include ribs orgrooves on its oblique faces

[0064] Cover -J- which appears in FIG. 12 serves to complete finishingjobs. Therefore, apart from including holes -21-, it can also showoblique faces completely flat, with ribs, or with grooves

[0065] Cap -K- which appears in FIG. 13 is also useful for finishing.Its oblique faces include grooves -15- and ribs 17-, whereas theopposite flat face -7- does not include a vertical groove in this case,this is equivalent to one third of block -A-.

[0066] Finally, FIG. 14 shows block -L-, which is the same as block -A-and has its middle section extended as far as the thickness of theblock.

[0067]FIG. 15 shows a wall junction where the row identified as -24-uses, at the junction point, a supplementary block -E-, double startingleg (FIG. 7), so that the junctions do not interfere with wall erectionas they appear. Locks are arranged every two rows. In this case initialrow -25- can use initial standard -A- blocks.

[0068]FIG. 16 shows a side view of the aforementioned row -24-, whichincludes the supplementary block -E- specified above. This figure shouldbe observed jointly with FIG. 17 since it shows row -26- immediatelyabove Initial block -24-, using a block -L- to produce a locking effectat that junction point.

[0069] By way of example, FIG. 18 shows another wall junction whereblock -L- is included to allow the insertion of blocks -A- of row -27-and the assembly of identical blocks -A- of row -28-.

[0070]FIG. 19 shows blocks -A- combined with blocks -I- and -H- todefine lintels -29- and opening jambs -30- In this case, blocks -I-include grooves -{fraction (15/16)}- on their oblique inserting faces

[0071] The same combination can be applied to FIG. 20, which shows thesame opening, in this case with jamb -30- and sill -31-. Here, blocks-I- include ribs -{fraction (17/18)}- on their oblique inserting faces

[0072] Finally, FIG. 21 shows a combination of several supplementaryblocks for corner junctions, so that completely flat faces (internal andexternal) with coplanar sections can be defined as visible faces, at thesame time ensuring the lock required. This shows how blocks -G-contribute to locking by being arranged in alternate rows and also howblocks -D-, arranged in alternate rows, combine with blocks -H-, alsoarranged in alternate rows. Likewise, blocks -E- are combined withblocks -B- for initial rows 32- and -33-.

[0073] After having described and illustrated the nature and mainsubject-matter of this invention, as well as the manner how it can beimplemented in practice, the following is claimed to be subject to thisexclusive patent.

1.- A SET OF MODULAR BLOCKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNAL ANDEXTERNAL WALLS OF BUILDINGS, showing a general H configuration with twomain flat faces, a front and a rear one, oblique internal and externalside faces, and flat top and bottom faces including the possibility ofmatched assembly between straight protruding ribs and straight grooves,arranged centrally and from one end to the other of each one of itsoblique internal faces; characterized by a set including a standardblock and various supplementary blocks which show, on their externalside faces, straight longitudinal grooves arranged centrally, extendingfrom one end to the other, and matching with a pass through duct definedin an equidistant central section; supplementary blocks meet the sameconstructive criteria and are characterized by the combination of sideextensions—equivalent to the thickness of each block—with middle sectioncuts to define split blocks, with flat supporting bases (which eliminatetwo of the legs), and with the side extension of the shorter section,the set being completed by the inclusion of supplementary blocks toserve as closing covers and anchorage caps. 2.- A SET OF BLOCKS asclaimed under 1 above, characterized by supplementary blocks alsoincluding a bottom supporting leg as thick as the body of the block,which extends from the bottom face until it is flush with the internalface of the same block 3.- A SET OF BLOCKS, as claimed under 1,characterized by middle section cuts on longitudinal planes. 4.- A SETOF BLOCKS, as claimed under 1, characterized by middle section cuts ontransversal planes. 5.- A SET OF BLOCKS, as claimed under 1,characterized by supplementary blocks with at least one totally flatside face. 6.- A SET OF BLOCKS, as claimed under 1, characterized byclosing covers with a shape equivalent to that of the cavity createdbetween two oblique faces. 7.- A SET OF BLOCKS, as claimed under 1,characterized by anchorage caps which are equal to one third of thestandard block and define a side section formed by two oblique facesconverging towards a central section.